Even if Kawhi Leonard’s contract with the LA Clippers is nullified due to recent controversy, there’s virtually no realistic path for the Boston Celtics to sign him.
September is usually a slow news month in the NBA, with teams finalizing rosters and preparing for training camp. But this year took an unexpected turn after journalist Pablo Torre released an investigation alleging that Leonard and the Clippers may have used a tree-planting company, Aspiration, to bypass salary cap rules potentially funneling up to $48 million in extra income to Leonard.
The NBA is now expected to investigate these claims, and possible penalties could include voiding Leonard’s current contract. If that happens, the Finals MVP would be prohibited from re-signing with the Clippers and forced to join a new team.
Despite the buzz around the situation, the Celtics are not seen as a viable destination for Leonard, even if he becomes a free agent. Financial limitations and existing roster structure leave Boston out of contention for landing the superstar, regardless of how the situation unfolds.
Kawhi Leonard-to-Boston Dream Unlikely, Even If Contract Is Voided
While it’s tempting to imagine a scenario where Kawhi Leonard ends up in Boston if his contract with the Clippers is voided, the odds of that happening are extremely slim.
The idea of adding a battle-tested, All-Star wing to the Celtics’ lineup is undeniably exciting especially for a fanbase that’s endured a tough stretch recently. But realistically, it’s a long shot, and possibly not even permitted under current league rules. Because the Celtics are over the first tax apron, they may be barred from signing a player like Leonard who, even without any additional money from off-the-books deals, earns more than the mid-level exception ($12.9 million).
Even if the NBA doesn’t enforce that restriction, timing is another major issue. For Boston to have any realistic chance, a decision would need to come before next summer, when more cap space might be available around the league. Still, Boston’s financial situation is tight, with Tatum, Brown, and Derrick White projected to earn around $145 million combined next season leaving little room to offer Leonard a competitive salary.
Even if the money worked out, there’s no guarantee Leonard would want to join Boston. The team has seen significant roster changes, and it might not be the most attractive destination. More likely, Leonard would gravitate toward a more established contender, as most veteran stars do in mid-season moves. Unless he’s motivated by the idea of sharing the spotlight with Jaylen Brown while Jayson Tatum recovers from injury, there’s little reason to believe Boston would be his destination of choice.
So while the fantasy is fun, the reality is that a Kawhi-Boston pairing probably won’t happen even if his contract situation changes.
